Our New In-Division Overlord

by U-God on May 5, 2009 7:18 AM CDT Comment 82 comments

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

Miguel Olivo whispers sweet nothings into Kansas City Royals starter Zack Greinke's ear after he shutout the Chicago White Sox on Monday, May 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Remember how great it was when the Twins finally traded Johan Santana and we thought we'd never have to deal with stuff like this again?

Well ladies and gentlemen, meet our new Johan Santana. His name is Zack Greinke and he isn't going to be leaving Kansas City anytime soon. It's bad enough when you have the bad luck of facing a guy like Roy Halladay, but at least he isn't in the division. Depending on what possible shuffles Hillman makes to the rotation, we have the very real possibility of facing Greinke four more times this season. So far in his two starts against us this season, Zack has managed to pitch 15 scoreless innings while allowing a meager nine hits and three walks to go with his 17 strikeouts. The only consolation I can find is that at least it isn't just the White Sox he's dominating.

So what does this mean for us? It is far too early to be sure, but if Zack Greinke has finally reached the potential we've been hearing about for years, playing against Kansas City will no longer be our panacea for the next three and a half seasons. Looks like it may be time to invest in some new hats.

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Are you insinuating he is our Zack Daddy?

I think I found his nickname.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 8:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

greinke + pimp hat = photoshop gold

White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.

by vince_ on May 5, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There it is.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like it

much better than slash

"I am amazed we’re as high as 17th in the baserunning metric, and can’t even imagine what Atlanta must be doing to be graded that much worse — seriously, do they just swing then roam randomly around the infield oblivious of the concept of the "base"?." -TAEG

by U-God on May 5, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sack Daddy

but down here they’re tryin to push Zackecutioner??? to easy.

IM SICK OF THIS ONE TRICK PONY TOWN

Hawk; "what would you do in that situation"

"id hit him" ;Stone

by Grinder Rule #42 on May 5, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

looks like he's gonna have one of those gooden/mclain/gibson

type of years. 25 wins, 1.75 ERA.

by the way, put a hyphen between in division.

by Hatchetm on May 5, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Add Guidry and (stretch) C. Lee.

If he finishes 22-3 he’ll be ecstatic. And the Royals will have won the Central. And Nick Punto will have been eviscerated, perhaps forever.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because clearly a team with a 22-3 pitcher

would never lose the division? Wait….

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 5, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ah, but they have gil meche.

i recall someone saying those two were likely the best 1-2 punch in the division. roses so far for the royals. but a long way to go.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep great 1-2

But really not much after that and their offense sucks. They will fold like a cheap suit. Okay not that bad but I’ve always wanted to say that.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 5, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn't discount davies and the soon to arrive hochevar.

their rotation is fine. we’ll see about the offense. i don’t think they’re likely to fold. they’ve got enough to hang around for awhile, especially since they’ve gotten off to a good start.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But they got Farnsworth

and the Farnsworth/Ex-Cub Combo factor is deadly.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup. sure sunk the phillies last season.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

farnsworth wasn’t on the phillies. I think I said cub factor and Farnsworth..thus the word “combo”. But whatever, I’m still emotionally distraught from watching Pods lollipop the ball back into the infield all night.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was also the only guy to not get a K from ZackAttack.

Did you know that?

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

but he cost us a run and I gotta laugh when he throws the ball in…

…I know he had two hits.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(it was a joke since that's been repeated 17 times...I share the frustration over the run he cost us...but it ended up meaning nothing, as did his 2 hits. yay offense!).

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(oh, gotcha)

(it was repeated 17 times too many).

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah davies is solid

that is a pretty good rotation. i’d take theirs over anyone in the Central. probably the West too.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if you feel their 1 and 2 is that dominant knock yourself out

Davies is decent. As for the rest we will see.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 5, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Solution: Not New Hitters, but New Bats

Five of the top 10 major-league home run leaders this season have something in common — and it’s not necessarily their stance or swing. It’s the bats. Carlos Pena (11 HRs through Sunday), Albert Pujols (9), Raul Ibanez (8), Brandon Inge (8) and Chase Utley (8) swing bats handmade by Marucci, a tiny company in Baton Rouge, La.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124149020393786249.html#mod=todays_us_personal_journal

(Remember, no one is an investor any more – everyone has the patience of a hummingbird, so trends are only one month long on Wall Street.)

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Italian Bats, eh.

Someng’ sounds ah fishy.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look at this piece of trivia we found!

fuck that. if even espn can have greg from hit tracker on, then what the fuck is wsj doing?

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn't rule out equipment.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the ball is a piece of equipment.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup.

do you have a need for an event to be caused by just one factor?

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

granted my reply was well out of proportion that the article was actually "offensive" or whatever

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

*with the portions of the article that were

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

mlb.com in interesting article shocker

on base stealing – Joe Maddon

“I know Sabrmetrics and all this stuff in regard to how ineffective base stealing actually is,” he said. "I disagree, because I don’t think you can absolutely evaluate the importance of it just based on whether it’s successful or not. It’s about the mind-set. It’s about what you do to the other team.
“It’s about the better pitch that you get for a hitter in a specific moment. It’s about the pressure on the defense. It’s about the error you create, it’s about the extra base you take. There are so many other ways to look at it. It was really generalized in one little bucket way too easily that I never really agreed with that component of the numerical world.”

more stuff including input from no 1 Lexi fan Sheehan here.

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah Joe its cool to steal bases if you can "like" steal bases

As the article points out saber guys love efficient and effective base runners.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 5, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i love stolen bases

great teams like the early 70s As, Big red machine, early 80s Cards, led the league in stolen bases. of course they hit very well too. maybe thats not a coincidence. Check out the speed on this team:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1976.shtml

given the sorry state of catching today, that team would probably steal 350 bases.

by Hatchetm on May 5, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love AJ.

But holy shit, every time I see Olivo throw the ball, I want to cry a little.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So I got bored in biochem today and came up with this

Jose Contreras hurt his heel,
He came back quick, what fun!

We’ll have a full rotation…shit
He just gave up six runs.

by U-God on May 5, 2009 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Podsednik is quick
But Olivo threw him out
Deregan is HOT

Hawk; "what would you do in that situation"

"id hit him" ;Stone

by Grinder Rule #42 on May 5, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

are these supposed to rhyme?

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Art, hoodlight, is not "supposed to" anything.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its a haiku

it doesn’t rhyme, but he needs to be 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables

by soxshenanigans on May 5, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What would make you think it's a haiku since it doesn't look anything like a haiku?

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its the 4th line

most dont know about it but it’s usually written in invisible ink… true story

brndnprkns: I'm pretty sure the "badass" value of your life is closer to Gigli than The Dark Knight

by whitesoxmatt on May 5, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going O/T on a dental related issue

I bought my first electric toothbrush about a month ago, now I’m not that familiar with these new fangled dental contraptions but how often do you change the brush heads? They are very expensive I could buy three new toothbrushes for the price of one.

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lay up

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lay up?

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha! You can't be serious...an Englishman asking for dental advice....

But if you are serious, I’d imagine the booklet that came with your “new fangled dental contraption” would specify.
If it doesn’t, I’d use it til its bristles are worn, like a normal toothbrush.
Also good to remember: do not stick it up your arse – no matter how tempting it is because it vibrates.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It says every three months

but I can’t see them lasting that long – I usually change a toothbrush every fortnight

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA! I am really getting a good chuckle here, Snaggletooth.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm serious

electric toothbrushes are seen as very exotic here a bit like bidets. I only bought one because it was half price, I used it for the first time this morning and my gums started bleeding and are sore now.

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"advanced" dental technology being seen as very exotic.

i’m shocked.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

another lay up!

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i had to drive to the basket on this one instead of kicking it out.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 5, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good choice. Go for the easy hoop.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, keep it away from your asshole and you should be all set.

The bleeding, I understand, is normal at first. Your gums aren’t used to being massaged in such a way…if touched at all, in your case.
Give it a few bloody tries.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That booklet = The Big Book of British Smiles

Go Sox!

by luzinski on May 5, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that's just too easy.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on May 5, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the brush head goes in the mouth

contrary to your instinct, i know.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 5, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wankers

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like that wasn't predictable.

Now go brush your hair with the one brush you haven’t jammed into your backside.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no one answered me

how often do you change the brush heads on the electric tooth brush

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when there is nothing left on the brush head and the plastic makes contact with your gums

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 5, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey dbag - I gave you the best answer you're gonna get around here. You're going to have to use your best judgment from here since most of the rest of us, I'm sure, can last more than a fortnight on one brush.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 5, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+often+do+you+change+the+brush+heads+on+the+electric+tooth+brush

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 5, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wiz, it has to be communicated in "hooligan".

Google is too “out there”.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 5, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

big game starts in 30 mins

Arsenal to win in extra time after a 1 nil win in 90 mins

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm more interested in tomorrow.

Barcelona is by far the better and more entertaining squad. However, their performance on defending set pieces is one of their few weaknesses, the second goal by Madrid on Saturday being a great example. This could even be worse with Marquez and Puyol out.

Go Sox!

by luzinski on May 5, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chelsea will go through to the final

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on May 5, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They had a lay-up this weekend relative to Barcelona's match, but I wouldn't say they're the better team.

They are at home but they didn’t get an away goal.

Unfortunately, the odds are they play the boring “anti-soccer” they showed in Barcelona and hope for the occasional counter. It’s like watching Greece in 2004 or Rangers last year.

Go Sox!

by luzinski on May 5, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs